The health-related quality of life of school-aged children in Tonga is at “worrisome low levels” states a report published in a Swedish-based medical journal, Global Health Action, published in August.

Tonga’s Court of Appeal will make a judgement on Friday, 21 November regarding an appeal by the Supervisor of Elections and Chairman of Tonga’s Electoral Commission against a judgment to register Sione Tupouniua, as a candidate for Tongatapu No.1 constituency for the General Election.

The youth of the Toe Talatalanoa Uniting Church of Canberra, Australia, have taken part in two days of cultural discussions with Tonga's High Commissioner to Australia, HRH Princess Angelika Lātūfuipeka Tuku‘aho. Photos by Lui Tonga.

The 81st birthday of the Emperor Akihito of Japan was celebrated in Tonga with a reception hosted by the Japanese Ambassasdor, HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro on 13 November, and attended by Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala.

An internationally recognised Tongan-born music producer in New Zealand, 43 year-old Soane Filitonga Watkins passed away last Sunday November 9th after suffering a heart attack at his home in Takapuna, New Zealand.

A project is currently underway in Vava‘u to restore Talihau Beach and protect it from erosion. The beach is about 100-metres long, located on the small Vava’u Island of ‘Utungake at the entrance of Neiafu’s harbour.

Tongan voters will be put on the spot on November 27 to elect a new government that could save the country from its current economic downward spiral, and to start a recovery process that will restore the trust and confidence of the people in the system of government that was implemented in 2010. Until we fully understand how our system works, and why it doesn't work, we will continue to struggle. Editor's comment, by Pesi Fonua

The Nobles' Election to elect its nine representatives to the Tonga Legislative Assembly will be held on the morning of November 27, the same day as the General Election to elect the 17 People's Representatives.

The finals of the second round of the “Work Hard, Play Hard” Netball tournament took place on Wednesday, November 5 Tonga High School courts in Nuku’alofa. Two teams from the Ministry of Health dominated the competition winning first and second place. The Australian High Commission (The Wobblies) won the first round of the tournament earlier this year.